You can do the metal book covers with 36 gauge aluminum foil, purchased
through Dick Blick for about $13/25 foot roll. One roll cut into 9 1/2 -
10" squared will cover an entire classroom. The rolls can be purchased
in plain aluminum or with copper and gold veneers on one side for not much
more money. You can draw into the foil with pencils or other tools and create
interesting relief forms. The foil can also be used for relief masks and
can be pushed out up to 1" without breaking. Covered with india ink and
then scrubbed slightly with steel wool, the metal takes on the look of a
cultural artifact, which students can then write stories about or use in
plays/performances by cutting out and attaching to rods with hot glue.